Boat show expected to showcase Pattaya as marine travel hub
PATTAYA is set to display the largest boats and lifestyle products as part of the famous beach resort’s ambitious transformation into a new marine travel hub.
The Ocean Marina Pattaya Boat Show, whose run this year will take place from November 24-27, has been a catalyst for the Gulf of Thailand’s marine industry, promoting the onshore facilities and offshore cruising grounds worldwide.
“Since launching Ocean Marina Pattaya Boat Show five years ago, we have seen considerable growth in marine tourism and boat use in the Gulf of Thailand.
“The boat show has helped to position this region as a leading marine destination in Southeast Asia.
“Both the number of boat owners overseas choosing Ocean Marina to base their boats and the number of Thais buying boats in the region have increased, and this trend looks to continue,” Scott Finsten, the harbour master of Ocean Marina, said last week.
With 22 boats up to 119 feet in length at last year’s show, organisers are planning for an even bigger and better display this year, and have expanded the in-water display space to accommodate the increased interest.
Early exhibitor confirmations include top dealerships Simpson Marine and Boat Lagoon Yachting, both of which have secured larger exhibition space this year.
They are joined by luxury Italian boat brand Azimut Yachts, Beneteau, Cranchi, CNB Yachts, Jeanneau, Lagoon, Monte Carlo Yachts, Prestige, Princess Yachts, Viking Yachts and Wider.
Superyacht brands represented at the show include Admiral and Sanlorenzo, and a large selection of brokerage yachts will also be available for viewing.
Tirachai Pipitsupaphol, managing director of Ocean Property, said the show set a new benchmark with increased exhibition space onshore and in the water.
Already many top boat brands having confirmed their attendance.
Last year, 68 per cent of visitors were Thai, a key demographic for organisers and exhibitors, and a statistic in line with Ocean Marina’s experience of a boom in Thais spending time on the water.
Having recognised this growth in boating interest and the need for more berths, Ocean Marina has undergone a phased expansion over recent years and is now, with 380 berths for boats up to 50 metres, the largest marina in Southeast Asia.
Besides the line-up of boats, cars and luxury lifestyle exhibitors, highlights for visitors include daily yacht cruises, kayak and paddleboat trials, jetpack flying board demonstrations, games, a food and drinks festival and the Boat and Yacht Thailand Conference.
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